Classic American Apple Pie Recipe

Introduction

Apple pie is a timeless classic that embodies comfort and tradition in American culture. With its flaky crust and warmly spiced apple filling, it’s the perfect dessert for family gatherings and holidays. Making it from scratch brings a delightful homemade touch to any occasion.

Ingredients

• 6–7 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 cup cold butter (cut into cubes)
• 6–8 tablespoons ice-cold water

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the crust by mixing flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Add cold butter and rub it into the flour mixture until crumbly. Gradually add ice water until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough into two parts, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. Step 2: Peel and slice the apples. In a bowl, combine apples with sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, flour, and vanilla extract. Toss well to coat evenly.
3. Step 3: Roll out one portion of dough and place it into a pie dish. Add the apple filling evenly on top. Roll out the second dough portion and cover the filling. Seal the edges and cut small slits on the top crust to allow steam to escape.
4. Step 4: Bake the pie at 375°F (190°C) for 45–50 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
5. Step 5: Let the pie cool for at least 1 hour before slicing. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of sweet and tart apples to balance flavor and texture.
• Always use cold butter to achieve a flaky crust.
• Don’t skip the lemon juice as it enhances the tartness and balances the sweetness.
• Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing to help the filling set properly.

Storage

Store leftover pie covered at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to four days. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes to regain a crisp crust. Avoid microwaving to prevent a soggy crust.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for apple pie?

Fresh apples are preferred for the best texture and flavor, but if using frozen, thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture in the filling.

How can I prevent the crust from burning while baking?

To avoid a burnt crust, you can cover the edges with foil during the last 15–20 minutes of baking. This shields the crust while allowing the filling to cook thoroughly.

Classic American Apple Pie Recipe

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4.9 from 70 reviews

Classic American Apple Pie, a beloved dessert featuring a flaky, buttery crust filled with a sweet and spiced apple mixture. Perfect for holidays and family gatherings, this homemade pie recipe combines a balance of tart and sweet apples with warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for an iconic, comforting treat.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes including chilling and cooling
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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For the Filling:

• 6–7 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 cup cold butter (cut into cubes)
• 6–8 tablespoons ice-cold water

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to rub it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice-cold water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough in two, wrap each portion in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to chill.
2. Make the Filling: Peel, core, and slice the apples thinly. In a large bowl, mix the apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, flour or cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Toss everything together well to ensure the apples are evenly coated with the spices and thickener.
3. Assemble the Pie: Roll out one portion of the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit your pie dish. Gently place it into the dish, trimming the edges if necessary. Pour the apple filling evenly over the crust. Roll out the second dough portion and place it over the filling. Seal the edges by pressing them together and create small slits on top to allow steam to escape during baking.
4. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled pie on the center rack and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly and cooked through.
5. Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour. This resting time helps the filling set properly. Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent experience.

Notes

• Use a blend of sweet and tart apples for enhanced flavor complexity.
• Always use cold butter to achieve a flaky pie crust texture.
• Lemon juice helps balance the pie’s sweetness and prevents apples from browning.
• Letting the pie cool before cutting ensures cleaner slices and a well-set filling.

Keywords: apple pie, classic dessert, American dessert, homemade apple pie, pie crust, fall recipes, holiday dessert